Alex Sanderson’s men travel to Paris La Defense Arena after a 44-39 aggregate win over Bristol Bears in the Round of 16 and know they are in for a stern test against the TOP 14 side, who defeated Parisian rivals Stade Français Paris in the previous round.

However, although Racing will have home advantage against Sale and boast a host of internationals, MacGinty, who has recently returned to full training after injury, is backing his side to stand up to the challenge that awaits them in the French capital.

The 32-year-old American international said: “I know the lads pretty well and the type of people they are - they will relish that occasion and the underdog mentality.

“So, it is really about how we perform as a team - meaning we can’t play as individuals. When it gets a bit chaotic or they get on the front foot and have moments of skills and moments of ability, we don’t fall away. We really step up and welcome the challenge that is going to be this Sunday.

“The detail we are putting in there is a real sense of excitement and enthusiasm. I can even feel it in the meetings getting very passionate. The buzz is very good and we will embrace that underdog mentality.”

While admitting that Racing may have more flair and superstars, MacGinty stressed that Sale will have to play as a team for the whole 80 minutes this Sunday if they are to improve on last season’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Stade Rochelais and reach the semi-finals.

Sunday’s game could also be MacGinty’s final European tie for Sale, as he joins Bristol next season – one of a number of players leaving the AJ Bell Stadium at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, this will provide Sale with an added motivation, according to MacGinty, with the departing players keen to leave their current employers on a high note.

“They probably have the tag of the flair and the superstars, but there are definitely big personalities and big-game players in our team as well,” he pointed out.

“Whatever stars you have, I think it comes down to how the team functions or how connected you are as a group. That is something I strongly believe in with this team, not just for the last year. A lot of us have played with each other for a long time, so there should be and there will be a lot of cohesion and connection in what we’re doing.

“A few lads are leaving next year, so there is that sort of honour of leaving everything out there for each other.”

Sale Sharks fly-half AJ MacGinty believes the Gallagher Premiership club will embrace their underdog mentality in Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final at Racing 92.